Xavier vs. St. John's Prediction: Can Quincy Olivari, Musketeers Upset Red Storm?
The St. John's Red Storm will host the Xavier Musketeers on Wednesday night in a Big East clash. Will we see a big game out of Quincy Olivari on the road to propel the Musketeers to an upset? Hammering Hank breaks down the matchup and provides his pick against the spread in Xavier vs. St. John's.
Hammering Hank - December 20, 2023, 4:20 PM EST
5 minXavier vs. St. John's Prediction: Can Quincy Olivari, Musketeers Upset Red Storm?
Tonight kicks off Big East play for both Xavier and St. John's. The Musketeers of Xavier go to Queens, NY to face Rick Pitino and The Red Storm tonight at 7ET on FS1.
Xavier vs. St. John's Date, Time, and Where to Watch
- Date: December 20, 2023
- Game Time: 7:00 pm ET
- Where to Watch: Fox Sports 1
Xavier vs. St. John's Odds
- Spread: Xavier +6 (-115), St. John's -6 (-105)
- Total Odds: O 157.5 (-110), U 157.5 (-110)
- Moneyline Odds: Xavier (+195), St. John's (-225)
Xavier vs. St. John's Prediction
Xavier comes into tonight with a positive record sitting at 6-5 with no ranked wins. They have played two ranked teams both coming up short, yet hung in with No. 3 Houston losing by just six, and lost to No. 1 Purdue by 12 earlier in the year.
Quincy Olivari leads this Xavier team with 17.6 PPG. Olivari is a transfer from Rice who averaged 18.7 PPG last year and has stepped into a dominant role on this Musketeer team. Sophomore Desmond Claude has been a breakout player for this Xavier team as well, who leads the team in minutes and averages 15.5 PPG. Claude made a big jump from last year as he is averaging a little more than 12 MPG early this season. I can see the Xavier backcourt dominating with their guard play tonight, although when it comes to the paint, it could become a struggle for the Musketeers.
Joel Soriano from St. John's is a problem in the paint for opposing players. The Senior from Yonkers, NY is averaging a double-double early this season, and averaging a team high 18.0 PPG and 10.5 RPG, respectfully. St. John's is 7-3 in their first 10 games this year. Rick Pitino also returns to Big East play since he last coached at Louisville and Providence. Do coach Pitino and St. John's have what it takes against this 6-5 Xavier team?
I think tonight will be a good matchup between these two Big East teams. I see this one being back and forth throughout the entire game. I think Xavier's guards are going to overwhelm this St. John's team tonight in this close matchup. Six points in this contest seems a bit too much for me. This one will be a fun one tonight in Queens! Take Xavier +6 tonight! Let's cash!
Xavier vs. St. John's Pick
Pick: Xavier Musketeers +6 (-110) Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
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